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Ranger Journal

About This Blog

Explore the history, culture, science, nature, architecture, and stories that link the iconic spaces in the National Mall and Memorial Parks to our nation and its people. The articles collected here are produced by NPS staff at the National Mall and Memorial Parks.

First Lady of Potomac Park: Nellie Taft

April 15, 2012 Posted by: Janet Buerger, Park Ranger

Within a month First Lady Taft had driven the first presidential auto to the new Potomac Park "Speedway," which she promptly renamed Potomac Drive, returning in hours with a plan for a Potomac Park.

History, Biography, First Lady, Helen Taft, East Potomac Park, West Potomac Park, George Mason Memorial, Cherry Blossoms, Tidal Basin
 

Cherry Tree Rebellion

March 15, 2012 Posted by: JoAnn Garcia, Park Ranger

A group of approximately 150 women, led by Cissy Patterson, seized shovels from workers, re-filled holes, and prepared for a stand-off against workers and bulldozers in order to help save the trees.

Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Cherry Blossoms, Helen Taft, First Lady, History, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Protest, Demonstration
 

Cherry Blossom Centennial

March 01, 2012 Posted by: Brad Berger, Park Ranger

March 27, 2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the ceremonial planting of Japanese flowering cherry trees along the Tidal Basin by First Lady Helen Taft and the Viscountess Iwa Chinda, wife of the Japanese Ambassador.

History, Cherry Blossoms, Tidal Basin, Eliza Scidmore, Helen Taft, Japan
 

Did You Know?

FIRSTAIRMAILdyk

President Wilson saw Lt. George Boyle off on the first U.S. air mail flight, which left from a field behind the present-day FDR Memorial.  After going the wrong way for over 20 miles, Boyle crashed his Curtiss Jenny in a Maryland farm field.  On his second attempt, Boyle crashed again.  Though Boyle survived, he was not permitted a third attempt.